We have no problem with the City of Ukiah deciding to enact a smoking ban in public parks and at city-sponsored events. And we’re glad that they included “vaping” in the proposed ordinance.

With recreational marijuana now legal, we can envision lots of joints being produced out of doors at events in the city and every day in its parks. Tobacco products carry a kind of stigma and tobacco smokers already know that they’re habit is something most people no longer want to be around.

But many people view marijuana smoking as perfectly healthy and acceptable. It’s not. Many of us don’t want to be around that smoke either.

City Council members rightly raise the question of how to enforce a smoking ban. Yes, it would be unfortunate for our local police to have to spend time chasing down people with joints and butts in the park.

However, passing the ordinance sends a message to smokers that they need to leave their habits at home. It takes a stand that sharing smoke in public places is not acceptable here. We think that’s perfectly OK. Like jaywalking and littering, smoking in parks and at public events will continue (and we hope the non-smokers won’t be too annoying about it when they observe it).

But putting the city on record against smoking is the right thing to do.